The University of South Africa (UNISA), Africa’s largest open distance learning institution and a global leader in academic innovation, has formally announced its endorsement of Mr. Harry Theoharis in his candidacy for Secretary-General of UN Tourism.

In an official statement, UNISA praised Mr. Theoharis for his visionary leadership, strategic competence, and unwavering commitment to inclusive, sustainable tourism. The endorsement underscores the alignment between Mr. Theoharis’s platform and UNISA’s values of equity, innovation, and global cooperation.

“Mr. Theoharis has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career — from guiding Greece’s tourism sector through global crises to championing inclusive and future-oriented tourism models. His strategic clarity, adaptive governance, and emphasis on sustainability position him as an ideal candidate to lead UN Tourism into its next chapter,” the statement read.

As the former Minister of Tourism of Greece, Mr. Theoharis was widely credited for stabilizing the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring public health, economic resilience, and stakeholder trust. His track record reflects a deep understanding of how tourism intersects with climate challenges, digital innovation, and social inclusion.

UNISA, a pioneer in accessible higher education and transformative leadership across Africa, highlighted Mr. Theoharis’s strong advocacy for gender equality, particularly the empowerment of women in tourism and transport — two sectors historically underrepresented in global policy discussions.

“We believe that diversity and equity are not only moral imperatives but strategic advantages. Mr. Theoharis’s commitment to inclusive policy frameworks and his efforts to elevate women’s leadership are deeply aligned with our institutional mission.”

The university also emphasized Mr. Theoharis’s unique capacity to bridge government, academia, industry, and civil society, reinforcing the collaborative ethos needed to drive equitable tourism growth.

“UNISA stands in full support of Mr. Theoharis’s candidacy. We encourage UN Member States to unite behind a leader who brings integrity, innovation, and inclusivity to the forefront of global tourism governance. We are confident that, if elected, he will be a Secretary-General who listens deeply, leads wisely, and delivers decisively.”

This endorsement from one of Africa’s most influential academic institutions adds to the growing global support for Mr. Theoharis’s candidacy, reflecting a shared desire for leadership that is visionary, grounded, and action-oriented.